We all tend to worry -- sometimes a lot! Here is a prescription from God's Word on how to avoid worrying.
We all tend to worry. Often, our worry is about things we can't control. This is bad for two reasons. First, worry is not good and not from God. Second, if we can't control it, our worry not only does no good but makes our mental state worse!
In the Book of Philippians, God gives us 3 principles to help us avoid worry. He says,
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
So first, resolve to release your anxieties and worries to God. Ask God to help you not to worry. The Bible says to not be anxious for anything! And that is a big category -- anything!
Second, in place of worry, let your requests be made known to God in prayer -- with thanksgiving! When we worry, particularly about things we can't control, we substitute ourselves for God -- and we are not God. So be thankful. Sometimes it takes work but think of things you have to be thankful for -- good health, finances, loved ones, a free country, other blessings -- and thank God for them. Sometimes just focusing on God and on what you can be thankful for helps to reduce the size of your worry.
Philippians 4 then goes on to say,
"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."
Our human tendency is sometimes to think about what is going wrong or what could go wrong. God encourages us to think about what is good, praiseworthy, noble, or admirable; in short, to focus on what is good! So when you see your mind wanting to go to what is worrisome or a problem, ask God to help bring your mind under control -- and focus on what is good!